Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning following a boat accident that claimed at least 10 lives on Sunday at Kojiyo Ward in Goronyo Local Government Area.
The boat, which was ferrying dozens of passengers across the river, capsized midway, leaving several people dead and others unaccounted for.
Properties were also reportedly lost in the mishap.
Eyewitnesses said many passengers drowned while some managed to swim to safety.
“This is indeed a great tragedy for our community,” a resident lamented, describing the atmosphere in Kojiyo as tense and sorrowful.
Confirming the incident, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said 10 bodies had been recovered while six persons were rescued alive.
Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of Sunday night to locate missing passengers.
SEMA’s Special Adviser, Hon. Aminu Liman Bodinga, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the government was working with emergency responders to intensify rescue efforts.
“The state government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has deployed response teams to enhance ongoing operations.
“We urge community members to adhere strictly to safety regulations and avoid overloading boats,” the agency stated.
The agency also pledged to strengthen public safety campaigns and enforce inland waterways regulations to curb recurring boat accidents in the state.